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RIYADH: ������Ƶ recently took part in the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting and Tourism Investment Summit in South Africa.

Vice Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud represented the Kingdom at the meeting, highlighting the country’s role in shaping the future of the global industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“������Ƶ shares and celebrates the G20’s commitment to advancing tourism growth and placing sustainability at the heart of our efforts,” she told delegates from the world’s top 20 industrialized and emerging-market nations.

“The lesson from South Africa and ������Ƶ is clear: Lasting transformation happens when we share ideas and build together. This is why we created Tourise, the first global platform for action, year-round collaboration and meaningful impact. We invite the world to join us this November to design and deliver the future of tourism in partnership.

“Tourism has the power to change lives, transform economies and bring the world closer together. Through Saudi Vision 2030 we are showing that tourism is not only a driver of economic prosperity but also a catalyst for inclusive social progress. But this potential can only be realized if we act boldly and collaboratively.”

As a permanent member of the G20, ������Ƶ helped shape the final ministerial declaration, ensuring that sustainability, digital transformation, inclusivity and skills development remain priorities in global tourism policy, the report said.

Princess Haifa also hosted a ministerial dinner on behalf of Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, inviting guests to Tourise — a gathering of public- and private-sector leaders, innovators and investors — to design a global tourism agenda for the future.

������Ƶ’s tourism sector is among the fastest growing in the world. Last year the number of domestic and inbound visitors rose 6 percent from 2023 to 116 million, according to the SPA.

The growth was fueled by investment in destinations, flight routes, airport capacity and infrastructure, including giga-projects such as Neom, Qiddiya and Diriyah.

DUBAI: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has launched three major initiatives aimed at improving health, education, and food security for vulnerable communities worldwide, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). 
In Faridpur, Bangladesh, KSrelief implemented the Saudi Noor Volunteer Project to Combat Blindness and Related Diseases from September 6 to 11, in cooperation with the World Sight Foundation (WSF). 
During the campaign, a volunteer medical team examined 4,054 patients, performed 270 cataract surgeries, and distributed 800 eyeglasses to people in need. 
At the same time, KSrelief distributed school bags, uniforms, and supplies to students in Abyan Governorate, Yemen, as part of a project designed to enhance education for 13,509 displaced and local students across Aden, Al Dhale, Lahj, and Abyan. 
The program also equips schools with educational tools and hygiene kits, provides specialized training for teachers, and implements health and community awareness campaigns. 
Abyan Governor Major General Abu Bakr Hussein noted that these supplies provide essential encouragement to students and help create a better learning environment.
In Daoura, Lebanon, KSrelief distributed 2,000 food baskets, benefiting 10,000 individuals from the most vulnerable families. This food aid project aims to alleviate hunger and provide nutritional support to those facing economic hardship.